CityState : Current l Edited by Jamie Coelho
Where to get your winter activity fix in Rhode Island . By Annie Sherman
After a year filled with quarantining and social distancing , being outside in nature this winter will be necessary for our own sanity . The Farmers ’ Almanac predicts a cold , snowy season , and we ’ ll need the white , fluffy stuff to enjoy all the fun én plein air activities at our doorstep .
Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing : Even if heading up north to the mountains might not be possible due to travel restrictions , local powder junkies can still wander in a winter wonderland at Chafee Preserve in Wickford , Colt State Park in Bristol or Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge ( spot the snowy owl for extra credit ). The dedicated paths and stunning views give you the space you ’ ve been craving all year to spread out outdoors with friends , or you can find your own intimate spot among the arbors .
Sledding : You might have your favorite neighborhood peak , but “ Suicide Hill ” at Rhode Island Country Club in Barrington and Fort Adams State Park in Newport are prime spots for sledding the Ocean State ’ s few hills . Head out once the snowfall breaks for powder runs , or the next day for speedy chutes on a packed layer of ice . BYO everything , including sleds , tubes and warm clothing .
Ice Skating : The rink at the Bank Newport City Center in downtown Providence is great for beginners and provides rentals too . Practice your Salchow jump and spins , then savor some hot cocoa to warm up . Try the ice bumper cars for a family-friendly competition . theprovidencerink . com
Hiking : If you lack winter equipment , take a hike along the snowy trails at Burlingame State Park in Charlestown and Middletown ’ s Sakonnet Greenway Trail . Both offer shelter from the cold winter wind and peace among the protected forest . ailt . org / trails-maps
Mountain Biking : Goddard Memorial State Park in Warwick hosts the NBX Cyclocross Gran Prix race every year , pre-COVID of course , so its off-road biking options are intense . The entire family can relish a day spent in the woods , bunny hopping tree roots and rocks , riding through icy mud puddles and across evergreen needles . Don ’ t forget to look up to notice the diverse trees , including nineteen evergreen and sixty-two deciduous species . riparks . com / locations / locationgoddard . html
Ice Boating : Visit Block Island in the off-season and observe ice boating devotees . Depending on the wind direction and speed , they ’ ll be carving icy turns in frozen ponds across the island , including Sachem or Fresh ponds . If you ’ re lucky enough to have your own boat , follow the wind for the best insider intelligence . Helmets and many warm layers encouraged .
Downhill Skiing : Yawgoo Valley Ski Area has reduced the number of guests on the property for the ski season for both indoors and out , and it has limited the number of season passes sold by nearly 60 percent . Daily lift tickets will be reduced by at least one-third but will likely increase on peak days and sessions . Kudos if you snagged a spot on the lottery for your kids to learn to ski this winter . There might still be spots available , so give signing up a try . yawgoo . com
RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY l JANUARY 2021 15